Gary Lineker believes that Harry Kane has to be ‘mentioned’ in the conversation for England’s all-time player alongside Manchester United icons Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Sir Bobby Charlton, who lifted the 1966 World Cup with the Three Lions, was England’s all-time leading scorer before Wayne Rooney eclipsed his goalscoring feat.
Rooney, who shattered Charlton’s previously held Manchester United record goalscoring tally, became England’s all-time leading scorer in 2015.
However, the United legend’s record goalscoring accomplishment came to an end in 2023 after former England teammate Harry Kane climbed ahead of him.
READ MORE: Mason Mount return close? Michael Carrick now drops Man Utd injury update ahead of Newcastle trip
Will Kai Rooney ever play for the Manchester United first team?
He's shown himself to be among the best at an U18 level, but can he reach that next level?
Gary Lineker singles out Harry Kane alongside Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton in the England ‘GOAT’ debate
Harry Kane has continued to pull away as England’s all-time leading scorer and is well clear of both second-place Wayne Rooney and third-place Sir Bobby Charlton.
The England skipper has found the back of the net 78 times in 112 appearances for the Three Lions amid remaining a key player under current boss Thomas Tuchel.
Gary Lineker believes that Kane cannot be left out of the conversation for England’s best-ever player in the same way as Manchester United legends Rooney or Charlton cannot be either.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, he said: “But I think there’s a real argument that he [Rooney] could be one of England’s greatest.
“Well, he’s definitely one of England’s greatest. It’s whether he’s the greatest. Who else would you put in that category?
“Bobby Charlton, obviously. I would say Harry Kane. I mean, how many goals has he [Kane] scored? You [have got] to mention Harry Kane, wouldn’t you?”
Responding to Lineker, Alan Shearer added: “Yeah.”
Teenage Wayne Rooney’s insane volley for Man Utd against Newcastle! 🎯💥
Why Micah Richards thinks England striker Harry Kane might fall short of Man Utd icons Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton
Kane has not lifted any major silverware for England, much like former England and United captain Rooney, but he also has a limited trophy haul at club level.
The 32-year-old former Tottenham striker lifted the Bundesliga title last season, which was his first piece of major silverware in his prolific playing career.
Richards insisted that Kane’s lack of silverware, both at club level and on the international stage, might hold him back in the ‘GOAT’ debate for an English player.
“Yeah. Yeah. It’s just Harry Kane was at Spurs, who weren’t really winning,” he said.
“Well, didn’t win anything, did they?”
Lineker then added: “No, he’s won a bit at Bayern.”
Responding to Lineker, Richards continued: “At Bayern, yeah. But that’s why he’s so… But for England, he’s been phenomenal, hasn’t he?”
Lineker agreed with Richards about Kane’s accomplishments with the Three Lions and hailed the England striker as “absolutely incredible” for his country.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
